When water damages your home, there is no time to waste. Whether your home is damaged by severe flooding or a broken pipe, it’s critical to get repairs started as soon as possible. Ignoring even minor damage can create the perfect conditions for mold in as little as one day. You also might be risking further damage to your home as the soggy mess left behind can compromise the structure of your home.

So, what should homeowners do if they find themselves dealing with flood or water damage? Let the renovation experts at RTC Restoration guide you in the right direction by reviewing some important steps homeowners can take.

Protect Yourself and Your Home

Anytime there is water in your home, the safety of you and your family should be your primary concern. However, before you can do anything about the water damage, there are a few safety measures you need to take, including:

  • Turning Off the Electricity: Anytime you have both water and electricity, there is the potential for disaster. Turn off the power home unless you must enter a flooded or wet area of your home to do so.
  • Using Protective Clothing: Protective gear like rubber boots and gloves can keep you safe from floodwater.
  • Protecting Valuables that Could Be Damaged: Retrieve any important documents you can access. If the flooding is minor, or you’re dealing with a smaller water leak, you might also consider taking steps to protect nearby furniture or other valuables.

Call Your Insurance Provider

Once you and your family are safe, it’s time to start working on recovering your home or property. That begins with a call to your insurance provider. It’s important to realize that not all homeowner’s insurance policies cover flood damage. In those cases, your flood insurance will handle the claim. Remember to clarify precisely what your policy covers.

Your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to your location so they can assess the damage and determine what is covered. Before the adjuster arrives, it’s a good idea to document the value of any affected items. 

Document the Damage

Before you start drying up the water or removing damaged possessions from your home, it is essential to document all the damage. Take pictures during every step of your water damage restoration process, including before and after water removal. This will allow your insurance adjuster to see the full extent of the damage if they arrive after repairs have begun.

Start Repairs ASAP

Don’t wait to get started on repairs. Most professionals recommend that you get started within 24-48 hours of gaining access to your home. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your repairs get started on the right foot, including:

Turn to Our Northern Colorado or Southern Wyoming Experts for Full-Service Insurance Restoration

Do you have flood or water damage in your Northern Colorado or Southern Wyoming home? As the region’s premier, full-service insurance restoration company, we can provide you with turnkey remodeling and recovery services. Whether you need residential/commercial restoration services, assistance with an emergency, or want help with pre-disaster planning, you can depend on our knowledgeable experts. Since 2007, our caring restoration teams have helped hundreds of families put their homes back together quickly.